Over the decades, we have gradually taken more and more play away from kids and replaced it with structured activities, academic work, and digital experiences to the point where they hardly ever “play” at all. As this trend has continued, there has been a rise in childhood anxiety and a growing number of kids who simply don’t know how to play. Started in 2015, Global School Play Day is one day set aside for students to do nothing but play all day.

Again this year, Pine River is participating in Global School Play Day. We are following these three simple guidelines:

• No Screens: Students are encouraged to bring toys, but electronic toys or any devices with screens should be avoided.
• No Structure: Adults should not attempt to organize or structure student play in any way.
• Stay Out of the Way: Adults should let students manage their own play and should not interfere unless there are safety concerns.

On Wednesday, February 1st, students can bring anything they wish to play with to school. The only restrictions we ask: they must bring toys and these toys may NOT require batteries or electricity. No devices. Some ideas are board games, dolls, Legos, blocks, trucks, cars, racetracks, playing cards, empty cardboard boxes, markers, jigsaw puzzles, blankets (for forts), social games (charades, Pictionary, etc.) The only exception to the electronics rule would be a board game that has an electronic timer, an electronics play kit, or similar.

Teachers will communicate with families about their own individual guidelines and schedule.

Dear Pine River Families,

It is with great excitement that we launch the return of our Winter After-School Enrichment Program! Classes begin next week and will run for five weeks, with the exception of our Wednesday class. The Wednesday class will begin on February 8th to avoid the PLC Early Release Day. If your child is participating in the program, please read the following information carefully.

Class Dates

Monday Classes - Jan. 30, Feb. 6, Feb. 13, Feb. 27, Mar. 6

Tuesday Classes - Jan. 31, Feb. 7, Feb. 14, Feb. 21, Feb. 28

Wednesday Classes - Feb. 8, Feb. 15, Mar. 1, Mar. 15, Mar. 22

Thursday Classes - Feb. 2, Feb. 9, Mar. 2, Mar. 9, Mar. 16

There will be no classes on PLC Early Release Days or Half Days.

Behavior

Good behavior is required for participation. Our ASEP teachers are volunteers. Some are middle and high school students. They do not have the training or experience to support students like our school staff. If your child struggles with independence or appropriate behavior, please attend the class with him or her (a current Volunteer Form must be on file). Any student who is disruptive will be asked to leave the program. We want all class participants to have a fun and rewarding experience.

Timely Pick-up

Classes end promptly at 4:45 p.m. Please be respectful of our volunteers’ time and arrive a few minutes early to ensure that you are at the door when students are released. Latchkey is available for those who are registered and scheduled.

Pick-up Locations

Students will be released at these outside doors.

Monday

Basketball - Main

Poms - Main

Music - Main

Bread - Main

Kindness - Door #16

Michigan Legends - Door #23

Tuesday

Board Games - Door #17

Robotics - Door #27

Soccer - Main

Origami - Door #16

Cheer - Main

Drawing - Main

Drumming - Main

Wednesday

Crafting - Door #17

Volleyball - Main

Watercolor - Main

Crocheting - Door #16

No Bake - Main

Paper Crafts - Door #26

Sign Language - Door #5

Lego Fun - Door #27

Thursday

Dodge Ball - Main

Pokemon - Doors 26 & 27

Guitar - Main

Payment

Money for classes is due before the first class.

Volunteers

If you are volunteering for the program, please arrive by 3:40 p.m. at the front entrance.

Thank you to our PTO for facilitating this incredible program for our students!

Rachel Card

• Safety awareness
• Shared responsibility for safety
• Safe Adults
• Types of abuse
• Red Flags
• Safety Rules
• Bullying
• Cyberbullying
• Digital abuse
• Digital safety tips
• Digital citizenship.

Each grade level will gather together to receive an hour of instruction on two different days in March. The lessons are tailored to the age and developmental levels of the students in each particular grade.

If you would like to opt your student out of this program, please fill out the form linked below and return it to school by Friday, March 3, 2023.

For the month of January, Mrs. Ursitti's class earned this prestigious honor! Keep up the great work keeping your classrooms clean, Pioneers!

All of our students strive to be motivated learners, as well as model citizens. Each month we will honor students from each class who exemplify the following qualities:

Academic

• Student prepares for classroom activities.
  
• Student approaches learning with enthusiasm.
  
• Student has made steady progress in the classroom.
  
• Student has been working to his/her potential.
  
• Student completes all assignments and homework.
  
• Student has a good work ethic and is diligent.

Leadership/ Citizenship/ Character

• Student demonstrates respect of self and others.
  
• Student assists others in need.
  
• Student shows acts of kindness.
  
• Student demonstrates a positive attitude.
  
• Student displays good conduct.
  
• Student is a positive role model by example.
  
• Student participates and puts forth full effort in all areas.
  
• Student follows school rules.

Young Fives/Kindergarten

Mrs. Guzowski's Class: Teagan Jablonski

Ms. Brosky's Class: Avery MacIntosh and Jackson Quade

Mrs. Malburg's Class: Alexa Nickels and Hailey Nickels

Mrs. Schneider's Class: Vera Treadaway and Madilyn Muldermans

First Grade

Mrs. Bean's Class: Adilynn Bradford and Emerson Genaw

Mrs. Jensen's Class: Greyson Glaeser and Rayne Salisbury

Mrs. Trudeau's Class: Gavin Hohendorf and Mila Emerich

Second Grade

Mrs. Gorski's Class: Kaylee Jenerou-Ward and Henry Pokriefka

Mrs. Kenyon's Class: Tommy Shubnell and Alice Eggert

Mrs. McNeill's Class: Jeb Schweihofer and Vivienne Liniarski

Third Grade

Ms. Dewey's Class: Raegan Goodrich and Cole Deraedt

Mrs. Dodge's Class: Jameson Herrin and Madison Molesworth

Mrs. Wahl's Class: Violet Slota and Nolan Stockwell

Fourth Grade

Mrs. Huston's Class: Colton Bullock and Leah Varndell

Ms. Jakiel's Class: Skilar Mierendorf and Zoey Young

Mrs. Ursitti's Class: William Neiman and Serena Komarowski

C.I. Class

Mrs. Kierszykowski's Class: Aidan Brennan

Pioneers of the Month will be honored at our STARS assembly on Friday, February 3rd, at 2:45 p.m. in the gym. Parents of those students being recognized are welcome to attend. Please check in at the office first.